Aulonocara sp. Blue DragonBlood

A Little More Information...

Aulonocara sp. Blue DragonBlood, also known as Apache Peacock, is a captive-bred form from the peacock cichlid group of Lake Malawi. Its trade name refers to a striking pattern combining metallic blue tones with red or orange areas, especially visible in mature males. Like several Aulonocara offered to aquarists, this fish is valued for its generally peaceful behavior, elegant body shape, and strong color contrast. It is nevertheless a selectively bred aquarium strain, rather than a separately described wild species. Its commercial availability is moderate: specialists may stock it regularly, but it is not as common as the most widely traded Aulonocara forms.

General species description

Aulonocara sp. Blue DragonBlood is an African cichlid of the peacock type, placed in the genus Aulonocara and the family Cichlidae. The trade name identifies a strain selected for its combination of blue, red, and orange; it does not represent a distinct scientific species. Like other Aulonocara, it is associated with transition areas between sandy bottoms and rocky structures, where it searches the substrate for small organisms. In an aquarium, it benefits from a spacious setup with fine sand and rocks that create visual boundaries. Its temperament is usually moderately territorial, particularly in males during breeding. Avoid tank mates that are excessively aggressive or that compete directly for the same territories.

Geographic origin and biotope

Reference countries: Malawi, Tanzania, and Mozambique, around Lake Malawi, also called Lake Nyasa. Aulonocara associated with the aquarium trade come from the ecological region of this large African lake; the Blue DragonBlood form, however, is a captive-bred strain. The natural biotope has alkaline, mineral-rich, generally clear water, with pale sandy areas interrupted by rocks. Aquatic vegetation is often sparse, while shoreline vegetation varies from one area to another. In an aquarium, stable alkaline water is more important than attempting to recreate one exact locality. Efficient filtration, regular water changes, and a layout without sharp edges help maintain good condition.

Exact locality and local name

The name Blue DragonBlood does not refer to a specific wild population or a particular village on Lake Malawi. It is an international trade name used for a blue-and-red selection of Aulonocara. Apache Peacock is also an aquarium name, rather than a documented local vernacular name used by lakeshore communities. It is therefore best described as a commercial form of Aulonocara sp. rather than as a defined geographic population. In practice, the supplier’s label and the origin of the breeding line are the most useful references for tracing its background. This approach also helps prevent accidental crosses with other Aulonocara in a Malawi cichlid community aquarium.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The body of Aulonocara sp. Blue DragonBlood is elongated and laterally compressed, with well-developed fins typical of peacock cichlids. Mature males generally show an electric-blue or steel-blue base color, enhanced by red, orange, or yellow depending on the strain and mood. The fins may have contrasting edges and darker markings. Females are usually much less colorful, with gray-brown or silvery tones. Adult aquarium size is often around 12 to 15 cm, depending on sex, strain, and rearing conditions. Color is strongest in a dominant male kept in stable water, provided with a varied diet and given a layout that allows him to establish a territory.

General diet

In nature, Aulonocara search the sand with their sensory pores to locate small invertebrates and other buried organisms. In an aquarium, Aulonocara sp. Blue DragonBlood accepts quality pellets made for Malawi cichlids, supplemented with suitable frozen or dried foods. The foundation should remain a diet moderate in animal protein and containing plant ingredients, offered in small portions. Foods containing algae, spirulina, or other vegetable ingredients are useful for regular feeding. Avoid excessive worms, fish flesh, or shrimp, which may contribute to digestive problems in African cichlids. Two or three small meals per day are preferable to one large feeding, especially for young fish.

Essential data

• Native river name: Lake Malawi; no specific river of origin is associated with this commercial strain.
• Local name used: No documented Indigenous local name; Apache Peacock is the English trade name.
• Origin of the scientific name: Aulonocara is the genus name; sp. indicates identification only to genus level.
• Etymology of the full name: Aulonocara comes from Greek and refers to the head and sensory pores; Blue DragonBlood describes the trade coloration; Apache Peacock is the commercial common name.
• Common/vernacular names: Blue DragonBlood, Apache Peacock, Aulonocara Blue DragonBlood.
• Family: Cichlidae.
• Subfamily: Pseudocrenilabrinae.
• Name pronunciation: aw-lo-no-KAR-ah sp. Blue DRAG-on-blud - uh-PATCH-ee PEE-kok.
• Discovery: The genus Aulonocara was described by Charles Tate Regan in 1922; Blue DragonBlood is an aquarium-selected strain.
• Maximum adult size: About 15 cm.
• Water temperature and pH: 24 to 27 °C; pH 7.6 to 8.6.
• Appearance of the watercourse and surrounding vegetation: Large lake, alkaline and clear water, sandy bottoms with rocks; variable and often sparse aquatic vegetation.
• Typical tank mates: Compatible Aulonocara, peaceful Copadichromis, peaceful Placidochromis, Lethrinops, selected Malawi Haplochromini, and Synodontis suited to these water conditions.
• Temperament and behavior: Peaceful to moderately territorial; males defend a small area and court females.
• Water depth: Sandy and rocky littoral areas at shallow to moderate depth.
• Sexual dimorphism: Males are more colorful, often larger, and have more developed fins; females are duller.
• Bottom structure and flow: Fine sand, rocks, and gentle water movement; strong filtration and oxygenation in aquaria.

In your aquarium

Success with Aulonocara sp. Blue DragonBlood depends on a suitably large aquarium, stable alkaline water, and a layout combining fine sand and rocks. Keep several females per male when breeding is intended, and watch for persistent chasing. A community made up of calm Malawi cichlids of similar size is preferable to a mix dominated by highly aggressive mbuna. Provide a varied diet while avoiding excessive animal protein. With regular water changes, strong filtration, and good oxygenation, this colorful captive-bred strain can retain natural behavior and impressive coloration.